Ebola facts

Question 1

Where is ebola from

Answer 1

4 strains originated in Central/West Africa
Zaire (high human death rate)
Sudan (high human death rate)
Tai Forest
Bundibugyo
1 strain from Philippines 
Restone (not deadly to humans, so far)

Question 2

Ebola as an RNA virus

Answer 2

RNA codes for 7 proteins

2 types of glycoproteins make Ebola particularly deadly
Helps bind with host cell
Helps suppress the immune system

Question 3

Transmission

Answer 3

Coming into contact with infected bodily fluids such as sweat, tears, vomit, blood, urine, or feces.

At greatest risk are:
Caregivers
Prepares of the body after death

Question 4

What does it affect

Answer 4

Early on, virus targets monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells (WBCs)

Causes an overwhelming release of cytokines (inflammatory response), resulting in initial flu-like symptoms

Blocks the signaling to neutrophils (WBCs that are in charge of raising the alarm for the immune system to come and attack).

Virus attaches to the cells on the inside of the blood vessels.

This increases permeability of the blood vessels – leading to blood leaking out of the vessels.

Interferes with the body’s ability to coagulate blood, leading to hemorrhaging

Within days, virus travels to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, kidneys and brain

Question 5

symptoms Day1 -3

Answer 5

4 to 9 days incubation, then symptoms begin:

DAY 1 – 3: Flu-like fever and achiness

Question 6

symptoms day 4-7

Answer 6

more severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, anemia and low blood pressure

Question 7

Days 8-10

Answer 7

internal hemorrhaging, mult-organ failure, coma, death

Question 8

current strain mortality rates

Answer 8

Current outbreak (Zaire strain) has 60% death rate with health care.

90% death rate without health care.

Question 9

how do some survive

Answer 9

Some strains are more deadly than others.

General health of host plays a key role.

Initial amount of exposure also key.

Genetics! Some people’s cells lack the type of recognition proteins that Ebola uses to attach itself to the surface of the host cell.

Question 10

current research to cure ebola

Answer 10

Block virus replication inside cells

Create vaccine using non-deadly strain to better prepare the immune system for deadly strain

Create antibodies to boost immune system once infected